Trump's Chip Tariff Plan Could Lift Tech Prices and Add Investor Uncertainty
Trump's new chip tariff plan aims to boost U.S. semiconductor production but may raise prices for tech products like laptops and appliances, contributing to inflation. Companies such as Apple, Dell, and HP could face higher costs, while Intel and GlobalFoundries might benefit from increased local demand. The plan's impact on investors will depend on how companies manage these costs and the potential shift in global chipmaker production locations. The White House is also considering exemptions for companies that relocate production to the U.S.
The goal is to push more companies to build in the U.S. The White House has said that reliance on foreign semiconductors is a risk to national and economic security. It has also been noted that the broader policy mix includes tariffs, tax cuts, deregulation, and lower energy costs.
Inflation and Company Impact
The new tariffs could lift the price of goods that rely on chips. That list includes laptops, appliances, and many small household devices. Even products made in the U.S. may see higher prices, since manufacturers would need to pay more for imported parts. Economists have said that higher costs may add to inflation, which is already above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
The plan would also have clear effects on listed companies. Apple (AAPL), Dell (DELL), and HP (HPQ) could see higher costs if they import devices that carry a high chip share. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSM) and Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) may face tariffs unless more of its production shifts to the U.S. At the same time, Intel (INTC) and GlobalFoundries (GFS) may benefit from stronger demand for local supply.
According to one proposal, companies could lower tariff costs if they move half of their production to the U.S. However, it is still unclear how such an exemption would work in practice. The White House has also pushed back on early ideas to exempt chipmaking tools. For investors, the outcome will depend on which firms absorb costs, and which pass them on to customers. The issue may also shape new decisions by global chipmakers on where to build future plants.
By using TipRanks' Comparison Tool, we've lined up and compared all the tickers appearing in the piece. This tool helps all investors gain a broader perspective on each stock and, in this case, the chip industry as a whole.
